Grand Indochina from Bangkok 21 Days

Upon arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you are welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle.

The rest of the day is free to rest after your journey or take a first walk in the neighbourhood. Bangkok is a city of contrasts, where gilded temples and street-food stalls sit beside modern shopping centres and the busy Chao Phraya River.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: None

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok

After breakfast, visit the Grand Palace, the ceremonial residence of the Thai royal family. Within the palace grounds, discover Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.

Continue to Wat Pho, famous for its magnificent Reclining Buddha, followed by Wat Traimit, which houses the remarkable solid-gold Buddha.

In the afternoon, board a traditional long-tail boat for a journey along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals of Thonburi. Pass waterside homes and neighbourhood temples, offering a glimpse into local life along Bangkok’s waterways. Afterwards, visit Wat Arun, the iconic Temple of Dawn.

Return to the hotel for some time to relax.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok

After breakfast, transfer to Bangkok Airport for your flight to Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand (about 1 hour 15 minutes). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and check in at your hotel.

Afternoon, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most famous pagoda Chiang Mai. It is reached after climbing a staircase of 290 steps with ramps represent two giant naga. From the square, you can admire the panorama of the whole Chiang Mai Valley.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai

08:00 – 08:30 : Pick up from your hotel or accommodation

08:30 : Drive approximately 1.5 hours South of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas.

10:30 : Arrive at the Sanctuary. Meet your guide and walk for 10-15 minutes through the Jungle to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Change into traditional Karen clothing. Enjoy an introductory lesson about elephant anatomy, history, and behavior.

11:00 : Meet the elephants. Feed, interact, and play with the elephants in a natural environment as you learn about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants.

12:00 : Enjoy a lunch of traditional Thai food and fresh fruit.

13:00 : Learn how to make herbal medicine balls, feed the Elephants and then walk with the elephants to the river. Bathe and brush the elephants.

14:00 : Join the elephants for a therapeutic mud spa. Swim in the river and take photos with the elephants.

15:00 : Change clothes and say goodbye to the elephants

15:30 : Leave the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Chiang Mai.

17:00-17:30 : Drop off at your hotel or accommodation.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai

After breakfast, leave Chiang Mai and drive north to Chiang Rai through forested hills and rice fields (about 3 hours), with a stop at the hot springs of Mae Kachan.

On arrival, visit Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, the work of Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, begun in 1997 and still unfinished. Its white walls and mirrored glass make it one of the most striking temples in Thailand, and inside the wihaan a mural mixes Buddhist themes with modern popular culture.

Continue to Baan Dam, the Black House, the unusual creation of national artist Thawan Duchanee: part studio, part museum and part home, it mixes traditional northern Thai buildings with bold modern designs.

Finish the day at Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple, whose name means "temple of the dancing tiger", before checking in at your hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Rai

After breakfast, you'll leave the hotel to explore the surroundings, starting with the road to Doi Mae Salong. You'll ascend and descend lush green hills covered with tea plantations. You'll also taste the delicious tea produced by one of the many plantations in the region. From Doi Mae Salong, you'll visit the ethnic minority villages.

Afterward, you'll continue the journey to the Golden Triangle, a strategic point where you'll witness a unique landscape shared by Thailand, Burma, and Laos – the meeting point of the three borders.

Upon arrival, visit the Opium Museum, which tells the stories of opium and the Golden Triangle. Explore the town of Chiang Saen, founded around 1328, and visit various sites, including ancient temple ruins, stupas, old city walls, and moats.

Then, board a long-tail boat for a cruise along the Mekong River, enjoying views of the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet and the Ruak River flows into the Mekong.

Transfer back to Chiang Rai.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Rai

After breakfast, visit Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai, where the Emerald Buddha was discovered in 1434, and the morning market.

Then drive back to Chiang Mai (about 3 hours). In the late afternoon, enjoy some free time, and in the evening explore the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for handicrafts and street food.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai

After breakfast, transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia (connection in Bangkok). Upon arrival, complete visa formalities, meet your Cambodian guide and transfer to your hotel.

In the evening, you may stroll around the Old Market and Pub Street.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Siem Reap

Breakfast at hotel, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.

Afternoon we visit the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples, which has been left largely as it was found, with giant trees growing through its galleries.

Sunset at Angkor Wat.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel.

Early morning, we drive to Kbal Spean (60 minutes), which translates to “Bridge Head”. From the entrance, it is an easy 3km hike up to the hill passing through a nice forest offering beautiful views over the surrounding plains. On top, you will find a river with many rocks under the surface holding inscriptions and Hindu statues referred to as the Lingas which date back to the 11th century. There is also a waterfall on top that drops significant amounts of water during the wet season but dries up entirely during the height of the dry season (March/April). In the rainy season the route may be slippery and good footwear is advised. Hike down the hill back to the car and drive to have lunch at the local restaurant (on your own), after lunch, we will visit Banteay Srei Temple. This red sandstone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been preserved remarkably well. They provide an excellent into the Angkor civilization and their beliefs. It was built in the 10th century and was dedicated to the Hindu god - Shiva. Drive back to your hotel in Siem Reap to relax. Dinner is on your own.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Siem Reap

After breakfast, transfer to Siem Reap airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, meet your Vietnamese guide.

In the afternoon we take a half day to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the now-demolished wartime American Embassy. After that, we head to the Reunification Palace, which was the former residence of the President of Southern Vietnam until end of April 1975, followed by some French colonial structures including the Old Saigon Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral. Apart from the religious meaning, the even more special captivating point of this Cathedral is its special neo-Romanesque style of architecture. After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum. If time permit, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is firstly well-known as the place for real Vietnamese food. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers guests many freshly delicious dishes. You also can find any goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local handicrafts, souvenirs here

Overnight in Saigon.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Saigon

After breakfast, transfer to Mekong Delta - Vinh Long.

Mekong Travel boat will take you at the new boat station, downstream on Mekong River seeing many floating cages for farming fish. Stop to visit Vinhlong market in the town. This is the best choice for you to take pictures of fish, shrimps, prawns, crabs, snakes, rice-field rats, tropical fruits, vegetables...

Then, stop to visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay.

Next visit the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice... Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea. Then, we’ll walk to visit the orchard & traditional house of Ut Trinh family. The optional lunch can be served at this local house.

Biking can be made for a leisure! It will be so amazing to do cycling on village paths to see the daily life of the rural people.

The cruise will go back Saigon city.

Overnight in Saigon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: At the hotel in Saigon

After breakfast, transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, transfer to Hoi An (about 45 minutes) and check in at your hotel.

In the late afternoon, take a first walk in the old town as the lanterns are lit, and enjoy dinner at one of the riverside restaurants (at your own expense).

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hoi An

Start your tour today with the 4th century Cham religious sanctuary of My Son, which is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, located in a beautiful green valley surrounded by impressive mountains. While a small site, the ruins at My Son are the largest and most intact remaining in Vietnam. It is also the home to the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which records the development of the culture and history of the Cham people through their elaborate sculptures and carvings

In the afternoon, start walking to the Hoi An Old Town.

You will see remarkably well-preserved old houses that have withstood 200 years of weather and war. Learn about the prosperous merchants who used to live in these homes, trading with buyers from all around the world.

Make a stop at the Japanese Covered Bridge. The bridge spans a small waterway and was constructed more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance.

Go to the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues and elaborate rooftops. Get an introduction to ancestor worship while visiting the family altar and watching local devotees making offerings.

Additionally, visit some of Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries. Discover smaller laneways and local neighborhoods, gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hoi An

After breakfast, leave Hoi An and drive north to Hue over the Hai Van Pass, the "pass of the ocean clouds", with sweeping views of the coast. Stop at Lang Co beach and lagoon for a coffee before continuing to the former imperial capital (about 3 hours 30 minutes in total).

In the afternoon, visit the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, set on a hillside outside the city, whose blend of Vietnamese and European styles and richly decorated interior make it unique among the royal tombs. Then check in at your hotel.

Overnight in Hue.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hue

We then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including a boat trip to visit the picturesque Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda

Built in 1601, it is one of the best-known religious and must-see sites in Hue. Both landscape and monuments here are always in harmony and bring a feeling of peace for travelers.

Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc.

Stretching along the Perfume River, Tu Duc mausoleum is considered to be the most picturesque site of Hue. The tomb was designed by the Emperor Tu Duc himself and this is the largest architectural work of Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs.

Transfer back to the centre of Hue for lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon we continue to visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City.

Built in the 19th century by Nguyen dynasty, the Citadel becomes the most important historical and cultural monument in Vietnam. It is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures: the Citadel, the Yellow Imperial city, and the Forbidden Purple city.

If time permits, we continue to do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city.

Overnight in Hue.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hue

After breakfast, enjoy a last walk in Hue before your transfer to Phu Bai airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.

In the late afternoon, take an orientation walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and through the Old Quarter, where each street was once home to a different trade guild. Stop for a cup of egg coffee, a Hanoi speciality, and watch the evening life of the city return to its pavements.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hanoi

Today, we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh (Close on Monday, Friday & November), the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam.

In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.

Then we take a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel and then start a 3-hour driving through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. We then transfer to a refurbished wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to enjoy a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone this World Heritage Site. While being on board, we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by swimming and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. Try the feeling of witnessing the sunset on boat is really great. Dinner served on board. The captain then will anchor for the night nearby a remote island. In the evening, there is the option for night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars.

Overnight on board in Ha Long Bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: On board the cruise in Ha Long Bay

Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back-up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor.

After brunch on board, disembark and return to Hanoi (about 2 hours 30 minutes). The evening is free.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hanoi

You have free time today to explore the Hanoi city before transferring to the airport for your flight home.

Your guide and driver will transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport in time for your flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: None